Receptacle for bag-like container means



N A z m E R P. H

RECEPTACLE FOR BAG-LIKE CONTAINER MEANS Sheet Filed Aug. 8, 1966 INVENTOR. WHEEY P. EEl/VZA/V BY j i A1ZTORNEYS v Jan. M, 196% H. P. REINZAN 3,421,589

RECEPTACLE FOR BAG-LIKE CONTAINER MEANS Filed Aug. 8, 1966 Sheet 2 of 2 27 ass 1 mmm WWW 30A '5 r\P\I\AI\A mm. M. m L

5 I 2? 3 3 B 33A I]: 335 50 36A 368 5 ULHLK IN V EN TOR. 641GB) P. BEI/VZ/J/V United States Patent 3,421,689 RECEPTACLE FOR BAG-LIKE CONTAINER MEANS Harry P. Reinzan, 7605 Dixie Highway, Florence, Ky. 41042 Filed Aug. 8, 1966, Ser. No. 570,964 U.S. Cl. 232-431 11 Claims Int. Cl. B65d 91/00; A47b 81/00; B65b 67/00 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention discloses an improved receptacle adapted to receive disposable bag-like containers normally used by retail merchants for packaging groceries or the like and into which refuse may be deposited. The receptacle is provided with guide and holding means operatively associated therewith to properly position the bag-like containers which vary in size and hold them open and thereby assure that refuse is only introduced into the container and not into the receptacle.

This invention pertains to receptacles and more particularly to an improved receptacle for disposable bag-like container means.

Many presently known refuse receptacles, or the like, generally are provided with a specially designed liner or inner container carried therewithin for holding refuse discarded therein. Other known refuse receptacles require the use of expensive and complicated holding means for holding such inner container in an open position.

Accordingly, it is :a feature of this invention to provide an improved receptacle for holding disposable bag-like container means which is of simple and economical construction and which does not employ complicated devices to hold such bag-like container means therewithin in an open position.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved receptacle for holding bag-like container means such as paper bags of the type normally used by retail food merchants for packaging groceries, or the like, therein.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved refuse receptacle capable of accepting and supporting bag-like container means therewithin of different standard sizes.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved refuse receptacle having holding means along the upper end portion thereof adapted to be inserted within disposable bag-like container means supported therewithin to hold such bag-like container means open and assure that refuse is only introduced into such container means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved receptacle having means enabling easy insertion and removal of such disposable container means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved refuse receptacle of the character mentioned having storage means for storing collapsible bag-like container means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved refuse receptacle of the character mentioned in which holding means thereof are fastened in :a hinged manner to side wall means of such receptacle to provide 3,421,689 Patented Jan. 14, 1969 Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the improved receptacle of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the receptacle of FIGURE 1 showing the upper end portion of such receptacle with hinged top wall means thereof opened and illustrating the arrangement of holding means provided in such upper or top end portion for supporting and holding open bag-like container means supported within such receptacle.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the lower rear portion of the receptacle of FIGURE 1 showing drawer 'means provided therein for storing collapsible bag-like container means.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the receptacle of FIGURE 1 particularly illustrating holding means provided therein associating with the upper end portion of disposable bag-like container means carried within such receptacle and illustrating one of such holding means in its normal holding position with the other of such holding means partially raised.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 showing a modification of the holding means of FIGURE 4 wherein vertical flange means comprising such holding means is construct-ed and arranged to accept a plurality of different size disposable bag-like container means within such receptacle and particularly illustrating the relative positions of such holding means and different size bags.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable for providing an improved refuse or trash receptacle for disposable bag-like container means, for example, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination thereof to provide an improved receptacle for other uses as desired, such as storing or accumulating articles in collapsible bag-like container means for later use, or the like.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

In an exemplary embodiment of this invention illustrated in the drawings, and as shown particularly in FIGURES l, 2 and 5, improved receptacle means such as a refuse receptacle designated by the numeral 20 is shown. Receptacle 20 has the general shape of a parallelepiped and comprises bottom wall means designated a completely unobstructed opening for easy insertion of described.

generally at 21 (see FIGURE 4) and a plurality of side wall means or side walls 22, 23, 24 and 25 suitably fastened to bottom wall 21. In this example of the invention drawer means is provided beneath bottom wall 21 as will be described subsequently.

Top wall means shown as a top wall or lid 26' is provided and in this example lid 26- is fastened to side wall 24, shown as the rear wall in FIGURE 1, using suitable hinge means such as a pair of hinges each designated by the numeral 27. Hinges 27 enable lid 26 to be opened for unobstructed access to the interior of receptacle 20.

Receptacle 20 is constructed and arranged to support and'enable easy insertion and removal of refuse containing disposable bag-like container means such as collapsible paper bags. Each bag shown in this disclosure of the invention, including the different size bags of the modification of FIGURE 6, will be designated by the numeral 30 for convenience and ease of description.

Holding means designated generally by the numeral 33 is provided and adapted to be inserted within the open end of each bag 30 placed within receptacle 20 so as to sandwich the top end portion, designated by the numeral 30A, of each bag 30 between the holding means and side walls 2225 of receptacle 20. The sandwiching action may hold end portion 30A of each bag 30 tightly against side walls 2225, as seen in FIGURE 4, or may result in the bagmerely being positioned between vertical plate means comprising such holding means and the inner surface of side walls 2225, as seen in FIGURE 6.

Holding means of this invention comprises two cooperating assemblies 33A and 33B which are preferably fastened to the side walls of receptacle in a hinged manner. Assemblies 33A and 333 in this example are hinged to side wall 25 and 23 respectively using a pair of spaced apart hinges each designated by the numeral 34.

Assemblies 33A and 33B have horizontal surface means shown as horizontal surfaces 35A and 35B respectively. Each surface 35A and 35B is preferably arranged and supported on the top edge of its associated side walls of receptacle 20. Horizontal surfaces 35A and 35B extend in the same horizontal plate and define such horizontal surface means.

Access opening means is provided through horizontal surface means defined by coplanar surfaces 35A and 35B. Such access opening means comprises a central opening 38 and is defined by a roughly rectangular cutout in surfaces 35A and 35B adjoining the central inner edge thereof and formed by U-shaped cuts 37A and 37B respectively.

The remaining portions of surfaces 35A and 35B are both also roughly U-shaped and cooperate to define central access opening 38. Access opening 38 preferably corresponds to and is smaller in outline than the outline of the open end of each bag carried within receptacle 20.

Each assembly 33A and 33B also has vertical flange means shown as roughly U-shaped vertical flanges 36A and 36B respectively fastened to and extending downwardly from each respective horizontal surface 35A and 36B. The fastening of each vertical flange 36A and 36B beneath the periphery of its associated horizontal surface 35A and 35B is practically identical and is such that it also corresponds generally in contour to the contour of bag 30 inserted and supported within refuse receptacle 2%.

Thus, it is seen that vertical flanges 36A and 36B of each assembly 33A and 33B respectively (once assemblies 33A and 33B are in position) completely surround the interior surface of the open end of an associated bag 30 inserted within receptacle 20 and sandwich such bag between side walls 2225 of receptacle 20 and such vertical flanges. This sandwiching action assures that refuse introduced through opening 38 is only introduced into the associated bag 30 and not between such bag and the inside walls of receptacle 20.

Assembly 33A in this example of the invention (see FIGURE 5) has the terminal ends of the parallel sides of its U-shaped vertical flange 36A extending outwardly beyond the inner edge of horizontal surface 35A to define an obtuse angle, shown at 40, 'with respect to such horizontal surface 35A. Similarly assembly 33B has the terminal ends of the parallel sides of its U-shaped vertical flange extending inwardly of the inner edge of its associated horizontal surface 35B to define an acute angle as shown at 41.

Thus, it will be seen that once a bag 30 is inserted within receptacle 20, first assembly 33A is folded inwardly in position to sandwich one-half of top portion 30A of bag 30 in position and then assembly 33B is folded inwardly into position to sandwich the other half of top end portion 30A of bag 30 into position. The arrangement of assemblies 33A and 33B is such that upon folding such assemblies in position, the flange portion of flange 36A adjoining obtuse angle 40 supports the flange portion of flange 36B adjoining acute angle 41 to provide added support for assembly 33B while providing a more nearly continuous surface for the vertical flange means comprised of vertical flanges 36A and 36B.

As illustrated particularly in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, means is provided for storing collapsible disposable bags 30. In this example, such means comprises a drawer designated by the numeral 45 having a suitable knob 46 fastened thereto along the central portion of its vertical outside surface to enable drawer 45 to be pulled in and out of receptacle 20'. Drawer 45 is supported for sliding movement in and out of the lower end portion of receptacle 20 in any suitable manner. The dimensioning or drawer 45 is, of course, such that bags 30 to be used within receptacle 20 can be easily stored therewithin in a flattened and folded condition. Drawer 45 is arranged to be pulled horizontally outwardly from the rear of receptacle 20. This arrangement enables such receptacle to be fabricated so that its front and sides provide optimum aesthetic appeal.

Receptacle 20 of this invention is particularly adaptable to using bags of different sizes as illustrated in the modification of this invention shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings. Bags of three exemplary sizes are shown as being useable with the apparatus of this invention. The construction and arrangement of side walls 2225 of receptacle 2i) and the arrangement of holding assemblies 33A and 33B is such that the vertical flange portions 36A and 36B of such holding assemblies are associated with the upper end portion 30A of bag 30 inserted within receptacle 2t) to assure that refuse is introduced only into bag 30 and not into the portion between 'bag 30 and the side walls 22-25.

It will be understood that in the modification of FIG- URE 6 only the dimensions of the flange portions 36A and 36B are changed to assure that such flanges are properly inserted Within the various size bags. The access opening 38 is dimensioned to be compatible with all slzes.

Assemblies 33A and 33B are hinged about side walls 25 and 23 respectively each using a pair of suitable hinges and each hinge designated by the numeral 34. Thus, upon moving assemblies 33A and 33B outwardly about their associated hinges in a hinged manner an unobstructed access is provided to the interior of receptacle 20, with lid 26 raised, of course.

It is thus a simple matter to insert an empty bag 30 within receptacle 20 expand it to bring it into contact with or close proximity to side walls 2225 of such receptacle. Once bag 30 has been filled it is again a simple matter to open lid 26 and open assemblies 33A and 33B outwardly to provide unobstructed removal of bag 30 and hence refuse from within receptacle 20.

The dimensioning of receptacle 20 is preferably such that the most commonly used standard size bags normally provided free of charge in grocery stores, or the like, are easily and readily inserted therewithin to provide a refuse receptacle in which it is not necessary to purchase all the required bags or container means for this useage. However, it will be appreciated that receptacle 20 may be constructed to accept one preferred standard size bag only, whether purchased or not.

Receptacle 20 may he made of any suitable material, preferably of a material which is light in weight enabling it to be transported easily and readily. In addition, the simple construction and configuration of receptacle 20 enables it to be constructed of materials so as to enable easy coordination with existing adajcent furniture as well as coordinated decoration of the outside walls thereof.

In addition, the parallelepiped configuration of recep tacle 20 with its flat rectangular lid 26 is such that such lid may be used for other purposes such as placing articles thereon.

Terms such as side wall, top, bottom, front, rear, etc. have been used in the disclosure of this invention for ease of description and merely to identify wall means of receptacle as illustrated in the drawings. Therefore, the use of such terms should not be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

Thus, it is seen that an improved receptacle has been provided which is of simple and economical construction and which provides simple and ready access to disposable bag-like container means supported therewitbin.

In addition, such improved receptacle includes unique holding means for sandwiching the upper end portion of such bag-like container means between side wall means of such receptacle and such holding means thus assuring that articles to be placed in such bag-like container means are only placed therein and not between such bag-like container means and such side wall means.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claimed subject matter which follows.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved receptacle for disposable bag-like container means comprising, bottom wall means, a plurality of side wall means fastened to said bottom Wall means to define an enclosure having an open top, said enclosure being adapted to receive and support said bag-like container means so open end means thereof is easily accessible through said open top, two part holding means supported by said side wall means and each part having portions thereof adapted to be inserted in said open end means of said container means to sandwich said bag-like container means between said holding means and said side wall means, said holding means providing the dual function of holding said disposable container means open and assuring that material is only received in said baglike container means, and top Wall means for closing said open top of said enclosure, each of said two part holding means comprising horizontal surface means supported on top edge means of said plurality of side wall means and having access opening means therein smaller than and arranged symmetrically within said open end means of said container means for receiving material therethrough and vertical flange means fastened to said generally horizontal surface means around said access opening means and roughly corresponding in outline to the outline of said open end means of said container means while extending downwardly therein to sandwich a top end portion of said container means adjoining said open end means between said Vertical flange means and said side wall means.

2. The receptacle as set forth in claim 9 in which said 'U-shaped vertical flange of one of said cooperating assemblies has the terminal ends of its parallel sides extending outwardly of said inner edge of its associated U-shaped horizontal surface to define an obtuse angle with respect to said horizontal surface of said one assembly, and said U-shaped vertical flange in the other of said cooperating assemblies has the terminal ends of its parallel sides extending inwardly of said inner edge of its associated U-shaped horizontal surface to define an acute angle with respect to said horizontal surface of said other assembly which is the supplement of said obtuse angle, whereby said vertical U-shaped flange of said one assembly is arranged in position first and engages said vertical U-shaped flange of said other assembly along their respective angled terminal edges to provide added support for said other assembly while providing a more nearly continuous surface for said vertical flange means.

3. The receptacle as set forth in claim 9 in which said bottom wall means, top wall means, and side wall means, are constructed and arranged to define a receptacle having the general shape of a parallelepiped and adapted to receive said disposable bag-like container means also in the general shape of a parallelepiped.

4. The receptacle as set forth in claim 3 further comprising first hinge means for supporting each of said assemblies on opposite parallel side wall means of said receptacle, whereby said bag-like container means is inserted within said receptacle with said assemblies opened outwardly in a hinged manner and then said assemblies are closed inwardly to sandwich the open upper end portion of said bag-like container means between said vertical flange means and said side wall means.

5. A receptacle as set forth in claim 4 further comprising drawer means supported beneath said bottom wall means and adapted to be opened by pulling generally horizontally outwardly, said drawer means being particularly adaptable for supporting said bag-like container means upon collapsing and folding thereof.

6. The receptacle as set forth in claim 5 in which said drawer means is arranged to openly horizontally outwardly from the rear of said receptacle to enable fabrication of front means and side means of said receptacle with optimum aesthetic appeal.

7. The receptacle as set forth in claim 4 further comprising second hinge means for hinging said top wall means to one of said side wall means adjoining said parallel side wall means, said hinged top wall means providing easy access to said access opening means and a tight closure for said receptacle.

8. The receptacle as set forth in claim 7 in which said side wall means, said access opening means, and said U-shaped vertical flanges are formed to accept disposable paper bags of a plurality of commonly used sizes.

9. A receptacle for disposable bag-like container means comprising, bottom wall means, a plurality of side wall means fastened to said bottom wall means to define an enclosure having an open top, said enclosure being adapted to receive and support bag-like container means so open end means thereof is easily accessible through said open top, holding means supported by said side Wall means and having portions thereof adapted to be inserted in said open end means of said container means to sandwich said bag-like container means between said holding means and said side wall means, said holding means providing dual function of holding said disposable container means opened and assuring that material is only received in said bag-like container means, and top wall means for closing said open top of said enclosure, said holding means comprising horizontal surface means supported on top edge means of said plurality of side wall means and having access opening means therein smaller than and arranged symmetrically within said open end means of said container means for receiving material therethrough and vertical flange means fastened to generally horizontal surface means around said access opening means and roughly corresponding in outline tothe outline of said open end means of said container means while extending downwardly therein to sandwich a top end portion of said container means adjoining said open end means between said vertical flange means and said side wall means said holding means further comprising two cooperating assemblies supported along side each other on said top edge means of said plurality of side wall means wherein each of said assemblies comprises, a horizontal surface portion with a roughly rectangular cut out adjoining the inner edge thereof define a roughly U-shaped horizontal surface, and a vertical flange fastened to said horizontal surface to outline said out out and define a roughly U-shaped vertical flange, whereby said roughly rectangular cut outs cooperate to define said access opening means and said vertical flanges cooperate to define said vertical flange means.

10. In a top opening cabinet usable for the temporary storage of materials with a removable flexible receptacle disposed within said cabinet, the combination of a twopart hinged guide on said cabinet for receiving and guiding said material into said flexible receptacle, each part of said guide being movable to permit placing said flexible receptacle past said guide and into said cabinet, each of said two-parts of said guide comprising a top hinged lid portion and a three-sided receptacle positioner depending therefrom for insertion into the open end of said flexible receptacle to keep said flexible receptacle open and in its proper position, said three-sided positioner being disposed away from the upper perimeter of said cabinet to provide a space between the inner side Walls of said cabinet and said positioner, said positioner adapted to support and properly position said flexible receptacles to assure material is introduced only into said flexible receptacle.

11. In combination with claim 10 wherein said positioners each comprise three vertical flanges which form an enclosed rim within the open end and around the container surface of such flexible receptacle to thereby position the receptacle and avoid spillage.

eferences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,121,337 12/1914 Milks 232-432 5 1,643,407 9/1927 Florance 232-43.2 2,916,183 12/1959 Ariens 232-432 3,175,760 3/1965 Worthington 232-432 3,226,015 12/1965 Manfredonia 232 43.2 3,241,750 3/1966 Brighton 232-432 3,261,545 7/1966 Frazier 232-432 10 3,314,632 4/1967 Freuler 232 43.2

US. Cl. X.R. 

